An intoxicating mix of smells, sights and sounds
What do you do when you’ve got a Mosque that needs funding? Simple - you build a spice market. That was the idea in 1663, when the Egyptian Bazaar (also known as the Spice Market) was constructed to raise money for the adjacent Yeni Mosque complex.
A treat for all the senses
Today, the Egyptian Bazaar is a foodie’s paradise. It will tickle all your senses with its fantastic arrays of dried fruits and nuts, Turkish delight, spices, olives, oils and essences of the highest quality.
The bazaar has always been the centre of the spice trade in Istanbul, beginning with the Venetians at the start of the 13th century. But recently shops of other trades are replacing the spice shops – which only adds to the variety you can enjoy here.
Hop off at the Egyptian Bazaar
The bazaar is on the route of our Istanbul City Bus Tours. You can hop on or hop off here to fill your bags with delicious, fragrant spices. Or simply sit tight to hear about this fascinating area with a fun and informative on-board commentary.
Other interesting facts about Egyptian Bazaar, Istanbul
- The Egyptian Bazaar is one of the largest bazaars in the city
- There are 85 shops selling spices, sweets, jewellery, souvenirs, and dried fruits and nuts
- The Egyptian Bazaar was commissioned by Sultana Turhan Hatice, mother of Sultan Mehmed IV
- It was given the name ‘Egyptian Bazaar’ because it was built with revenues from taxes levied on imports from the Ottoman Eyalet (state) of Egypt
